Category Archives: Success Stories

Crafting Connections launched a practical, grassroots initiative to combat unemployment and poverty by transforming traditional arts into viable livelihoods. The programme partnered directly with non-profit organisations (NPOs), their staff, and communities to transfer income-generating craft skills. This approach created employment for the trainers while teaching participants authentic trades like basket weaving, intricate beadwork, sewing, wood […]

A bold artistic revolution unfolded on the historic streets of Orlando in Soweto, where the past and the future collided to reshape South Africa’s cultural landscape. The groundbreaking project titled “Art Beyond the Gallery,” bridged generational divides by pairing rare 19th-century tintype photography, hand-crafted on metal plates with vibrant, large-scale public murals created by a […]

In the sun-drenched province of KwaZulu-Natal, where the rhythm of daily life pulses to the beat of survival rather than sonnets, a quiet revolution has been brewing one page at a time. The Ekukhanyeni Literature Club is a grassroots beacon of literacy and creativity that’s rewriting the narrative for an entire community. This NAC-funded project […]

In the heart of Northern Cape, across Kimberley at the Frances Baard district, the Disability Arts League quietly set in motion a powerful story of access, creativity, and belonging. What began as a determined effort to open arts to people that are often excluded soon became a vibrant movement of workshops, mentorship, performances, and public […]

Gontse, a groundbreaking 90-minute contemporary dance choreographic work that founded on true stories of South African women survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The project incorporated young professional dancers that narrated their experiences through powerful, original composition supported by a live band and newly composed music and poetry. The production took place in Johannesburg, with rehearsals […]

In the heart of the Northern Cape, the Tsoga Motswana Cultural Dance Extravaganza(TMCuDE) demonstrated that traditional heritage is a powerful engine for the future, not just a relic of the past. By modernising indigenous dance through high-quality production, this initiative dismantled urban-centric bias in the arts, and showcased how creative innovation can thrive and provide sustainable growth for […]

The morning air crackled with the rhythmic thunder of drumming and the soaring melodies of live music, marking a vibrant commencement for a landmark celebration of heritage and community. The Iimbongi and Storytelling Youth Festival held a grand opening ceremony at Mdantsane in the Eastern Cape province to set a lively, inclusive tone for the […]

In the world of dance, young female choreographers led the creative process, heading teams of dancers, artistic directors and coordinators. They developed original pieces inspired by their roots and rich mining history, which has long brought workers from different provinces, weaving diverse traditions into a cultural blend. The Basadi Dance Festival lit up North West […]

For centuries, jewellery has carried meaning far beyond adornment. It has been a form of self-expression, a marker of status, a cultural symbol, and an art form that connects generations. Thanks to support from the NAC’s PESP 5 funding, one beneficiary project has successfully celebrated this legacy while passing on knowledge of jewellery, pottery, beadwork […]

Women have long been the cornerstone of communities, playing vital roles in fostering growth, resilience, and transformation. Their contributions extend beyond traditional caregiving, as they lead initiatives, create opportunities, and inspire change that uplifts entire societies. When women take on leadership roles in their communities, they bring unique perspectives and approaches to problem-solving. Their ability […]